Through a “Public Records Act” request, I have confirmed the following 23 deaths at Louisiana’s Delta Downs in 2014 (note: the Commission did not forward training deaths, so this list is far from complete): 3-year-old Doughtie Cash, January 4, Delta…
In the past week, Ray Paulick, industry apologist extraordinaire, published obituaries on two highly successful racehorses: 1992 Preakness winner and $2 million earner Pine Bluff (“old age”) and “champion sire” (“112 stakes winners, 12 Champions, 4 Breeders’ Cup winners and…
On August 1st at Indiana, 2-year-old Vindiania was a “bled” DNF. On October 28th, he was raced again – 9th of 10, 25+ lengths back. He has not been heard from since. Most recent connections: C. Steve Larue, James Bickett.…
Through a “Public Records Law” request, I have confirmed the following 8 deaths on or at Nebraska racetracks in 2014: 4-year-old S S Tribal Girl, March 16, Fonner 2 (euthanized March 18) chart said “pulled up, vanned off” 7-year-old Three…
Through a “Public Information Act” request, I have confirmed the following 38 kills on Maryland tracks in 2014. (Note: The Commission documents did not include any of what the industry refers to as “non-racing” deaths – colic, “barn accidents,” etc.…
The following horses were casualties on American tracks last week. This list, however, includes only raceday victims, for while I’d prefer to submit a more complete reckoning, the training carnage is almost entirely covered up. Reported as died, euthanized, or…
The following article comes from Joy Aten, prominent equine advocate and regular contributor to our “Shedrow Secrets” section: Like others who acknowledge the exploitation and abuse of horses in the racing industry, I tire of hearing about all of the…
Two horses were left dead in the same Tampa Bay race (6th) yesterday afternoon: After 5-year-old Wild Kiss went down about halfway through, two trailing horses, 3-year-olds Iron Media and Track Telling, fell over their dying “rival.” Iron Media did…
Through a “Freedom of Access Act” request, I have confirmed the following 4 deaths on or at Maine harness tracks in 2014. (Note: Maine has no Thoroughbred racing.) Scootin Keefe, January 14, Scarborough Downs: “Injured in New York during a…
The Daily Racing Form (via the stewards) reports that 8-year-old El Commodore is dead from a “pelvis injury” sustained during the 4th at Santa Anita yesterday. In all, the gelding was put to the whip 37 times, earning over a…
The following abuses were committed against Standardbreds at Hoosier Park. (The rulings come courtesy of the Indiana Horse Racing Commission.) 7/19/14, Lewayne Miller, “Whip-bleeding/welts” – no fine, 5-day suspension From 5/13 to 7/1, Miller was “disciplined” three times for the…
The NYS Gaming Commission reports that 2-year-old Summer Hawk is dead after breaking down while “breezing” (training) at Belmont Park yesterday. Prior to dying, the colt had been put to the whip five times, most recently at Aqueduct in January.…
